How to Seal a Shower Pan

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Shower pans serve as the base layer for showers. When installed properly, they contain multiple levels of waterproofing to force any water down into the drain. One level of waterproofing is sealer applied to the surface of the tile or natural stone that covers the shower pan floor. There are different types of sealers available, all with the same basic application methods.

Preparation

Before applying any sealer to the shower pan material, clean it first. If you are working with a new installation, use a damp sponge and clean water to remove any debris or dirt from the surface. For in-use showers, scrub them first with a shower cleaner to remove the mineral buildup and soap scum. The floor of the pan needs to be installation-new for the sealer to bond properly with the material and protect the pan.

Testing

If this is your first time working with a particular sealer you should test a small area before you apply it to the whole floor. Different sealers react differently to grout and natural stones. In some cases, it can darken a stone or grout. Never seal an entire pan until you first check to see how the sealer is going to work with your chosen pan material. If you can use scrap material from the installation, this is the best way to test the sealer.

Natural Stone

Porous natural stone will soak up sealer almost instantly, with the exception of polished marble and granite, which take longer to absorb the liquid. Applying the sealer onto the tile of the pan with a pump-sprayer is usually the easiest option since the stone will readily absorb the sealer. You may also use a dampened sponge, a soaked rag or a paintbrush and roller to apply sealer to natural stone.

Glazed Tile

Glazed tiles, such as ceramic, are non-porous, which means sealer and water will not soak into the surface. The grout joints, however, have the properties of cement and are porous. This means you should seal them to protect the pan underneath. Home improvement stores sell applicators with specially designed tips that allow for application only over the width of a grout joint. You can also use a paintbrush or a foam brush to apply the sealer to grout joints.

About the Author

Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007. His has been published online through GTV Magazine, Home Anatomy, TravBuddy, MMO Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group. He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing.